Hong Kong is reeling from one of its deadliest fires in recent history. A massive blaze erupted in a residential complex in the Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least 55 people. The fire rapidly engulfed several apartment towers, triggering a large-scale emergency response.
Authorities stated early Thursday that the fire was brought under control in four buildings. However, firefighters continued to battle the flames in three other buildings more than 16 hours after the initial outbreak.
What We Know So Far:
According to initial reports, the fire originated on bamboo scaffolding erected outside one of the residential towers as part of ongoing renovation work. Bamboo scaffolding is commonly used in Hong Kong due to its lightweight nature and ease of assembly. However, it is also highly flammable.
The flames quickly spread upwards along the exterior of the building and inwards, eventually reaching neighboring towers. Green construction netting covering the apartment towers from top to bottom further fueled the rapid spread of the fire.
Local media reports indicate that the situation escalated rapidly. Within an hour, the fire alert level was raised to the fourth and then the fifth level, the highest fire warning level in Hong Kong.
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the fire, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and contributing factors.
This tragedy marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1962, when a blaze in Sham Shui Po claimed the lives of 44 people. The Garley Building fire in 1996 resulted in 41 deaths and over 80 injuries. The incident also occurred amidst extreme fire warnings issued since Monday due to dry weather conditions significantly increasing fire risks.
The investigation is ongoing, and DZWatch will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
